engcon launches EC-Oil automatic quick coupler on rotary attachment for 4-6 ton excavators

engcon, the leading global manufacturer of turntables, quick couplers and advanced accessories for excavators, is launching its EC-Oil quick-change system on the lower quick coupler of the EC206 turntable for excavators in size 4-6 tons in spring 2022. This means hydraulics, electronics and central lubrication are automatically connected while the operator can remain in the cab, increasing both efficiency and safety.

Since the early 1990s, engcon has been producing pivot tilters, the "wrist" for excavators in sizes 1.5-33 tons, which make it possible to dig in different directions and change attachments. engcon is currently the world leader. The ability to tilt and rotate the bucket on an excavator means work can be done up to 25 percent easier and more effectively. In recent years, engcon has continued to develop the EC-Oil quick-change system. With EC-Oil, hydraulic attachments can be connected automatically, without the operator having to get out of the cab to connect manual hydraulic couplings. In the spring of 2022, engcon will launch the EC-Oil automatic quick coupler on EC206 rotary attachment for excavators of 4-6 tons. In 2020, the engcon EC-Oil automatic oil and electric clutch became standard part of the S40 machine quick coupler and the upper part of the EC206 pivot attachment for machines up to 6 tons. Now engcon is taking the next step and introducing the EC-Oil automatic quick coupler also for the lower quick coupler. 

"It is both convenient and time-saving to not have to get out of the cab to connect vibrating, pressurized and dirty hydraulic couplings. This contributes to increased efficiency and safety for our end users. Since we have been supplying EC-Oil as standard with our rotary tilt systems, sales have increased significantly. And that does indicate that the combination is appreciated by our customers and end users," says Martin Engström, Product Manager at engcon.

The lower S40 quick coupler also gets several additional hydraulic connection options and the clever feature of connecting a removable grapple cassette. Plans are now being made for sweepers and other attachments. 

"The removable grapple cassette allows the operator to easily and quickly set the grapple aside when he does not need it. This is a weight saving of about 35 kg and if you count how many times a day you lift a bucket, this quickly results in fuel savings and less wear and tear on the machine," Martin Engström continued. 

Additional connections for higher oil flow rate

engcon also chose to equip the EC206 with an all-new swivel with extra high capacity and more connections for additional hydraulics on the S40 quick coupler under EC206. There are also additional outlets on both sides and on the rear of the quick coupler. With the additional outlets on the side of the quick coupler, it is also possible to feed attachments directly from the excavator's auxiliary hydraulic connection. This allows a higher oil flow rate than through the valves of the turntable. Work equipment requiring a high flow rate, such as ramp mowers, can be connected in this way.

Martin Engström says the new swivel has the added benefit that there are now no hoses in the lower quick coupler.

"It follows the same concept as the larger models where the EC-Oil blocks and additional outlets are bolted into the quick coupler. On the S40, the locking cylinder is also screwed directly into the block and this means that the quick coupler has no hoses and moving parts at all, so it doesn't suffer from abrasion and wear. We know how tight it can be to secure a quick coupler, so this is a big step forward in terms of ease of maintenance," says Martin Engström.

Other features of the new EC206 mentioned are that it is now possible to equip it with both tilt and rotation sensors for machines that have a machine control system.

The EC206 with S40 automatic quick coupler will be presented at trade shows during the year and a smaller pre-series will be delivered in spring 2022. Series production is scheduled for fall 2022.